5 Hardest Things About Writing A Novel

Let’s face it writing a novel is hard work! Many people often say that they want to write a book but soon give up along the way when they realise the amount of time and energy it takes. But writing a book can really be a satisfying process, knowing you’ve created something and holding it in your hands for the first time is an amazing feeling.

It takes a long time. Depending on the length of the novel you’re writing it can take quite a long time to write the first draft. Then after that you have to go through several rounds of revisions plus editing and proofreading.

Motivation. When you’re first starting out writing a novel you probably feel motivated to drive in head first. But the initial excitement soon wears off. We all have busy lives and there will often be days when you don’t feel like writing at all.

Finding the time to write. There literally aren’t enough hours in the day. Between work, family and other commitments it can be hard to find time to sit down and write. I find it best to schedule in a slot of time every day. It doesn’t matter how much you write even if it’s for only fifteen minutes.

Inspiration doesn’t strike when you want it to. As Jack London says you can’t sit and wait around for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club. There will often be days when your muse deserts you. I find getting into a regular writing habit or having a clear outline of what I need to be doing helps when my muse disappears.

Not having an outline. I know some writers are pantsers and completely go with the flow but I find it harder to write without having at least a basic outline of who my characters are and what should be going on in my book.